The iPhone and iPad have always lacked USB ports. As iOS apps rarely require you to deal directly with files, this isn't usually a big problem. When you do need to manage files, Dropbox, iCloud, and email are ready and waiting. But for some tasks – like streaming movies – external storage can come in handy. Enter Hyper's iUSBport: an accessory that fills in the gaps left by Apple's minimalism.
Plug and play
iUSBport streams USB content to any Wi-Fi enabled device – not just iPhones and iPads – over a local network. Plug in your favorite USB drive, join its Wi-Fi network, open the free app, and stream your own 1080p movie (or anything else your heart desires).
iUSBport2 is the second iteration of the device (the first iUSBport was originally called CloudFTP) and adds a second USB port, microSDXC slot, backlit LCD, and 3,300 mAh battery. Hyper says that it streams data 50 percent faster than the original.
We are family
Hyper also gave iUSBport2 a couple of siblings. iUSBport HD is the largest model, rocking a 2.5-inch hard drive (up to 2 TB), USB 3.0, 5,200 mAh battery, and all the perks of the iUSBport2.
iUSBport mini is, naturally, the compact version. Built like a flash drive, you can connect it to an actual flash drive, or – if connected to external power – a USB hard drive.
Pricing, availability
iUSBport2 will retail for US$150, iUSBport HD will be $160, and iUSBport mini will ring up for $70. All three models will launch in Q1 2013.
If you're grabbing one of the new devices for your iPhone or iPad, you can head to the App Store to download the accompanying free app, while an Android app is on the way.
Source: Hyper
